Long-time RUSA referee and sponsor Mark Pickard says he’ll be the first to put his hand in his pocket to secure another marquee rugby event in Adelaide.
Pickard, who last week continued his ongoing support for community rugby by donating four new work vehicles to RUSA, is adamant South Australia should take on major international fixtures during the upcoming British & Irish Lions Tour (2025) and home Rugby World Cups (2027 & 2029).
“My interest has always been growing rugby in non-traditional states and having these four new vehicles is a means to promote the game, engage competent and enthused rugby staff members and help facilitate other duties and events for rugby across South Australia,” Pickard told RUSA.
“I’ve always believed that we’re just custodians of the game and we must leave the game in a better state than we found it.
"That's why I continue to support the game that's given me so much and looking forward, I’d love to leverage the upcoming Rugby World Cups (2027 & 2029) and hopefully see South Australia host pool games or a series of pool games to help continue our growth.
“We want to those Rugby World Cups to be fully national tournaments and it’s essential strong and competent member unions like South Australia are involved.
“Also, there’s nothing I’d love more than a British and Irish Lions tour game to be hosted right here and I’d be the first to put my hand in my pocket to step up and help support that initiative.”
Ever since he left school in 1979 and pulled on boots at Old Collegians, Pickard has been synonymous with community rugby as both a player and referee.
Pickard’s Hallett Group continues to support RUSA match officials alongside further contributions to clubs and the game’s administration.
“I’m fortunate enough in my life that I’m in a position to give a lot back to a community that gives me so much,” Pickard said.
We’ve got a great family legacy of philanthropy and rugby is one of those extensions.
"I was pleased to play a role in locking in the IRB 7s tournament to be played at the iconic Adelaide Oval for 5 years and it’s a huge pleasure to be able to support referees.
"They deserve to be compensated not only their time off the field, but also off the field to develop and better their skills and competency. I was a very average player and loved my refereeing journey, I only wish I’d started sooner!”
Hallett Group is the largest integrated supplier of building and construction materials in South Australia with a 40-year history of community engagement and philanthropy.
